Uzbekistan's authorities have denied rumors regarding the transfer of mineral deposits to Chinese companies.

Based on this requirement, the winners of the electronic auctions were 12 companies that have legal status and are registered in Uzbekistan. Some of these companies are fully owned by citizens of the country, while in others, the average share of Uzbek founders is around 70%. Notably, no company that is entirely owned by foreign nationals, including those from China, has ever won the right to develop deposits through an auction.

The announcement emphasizes that permits for the use of subsoil areas are issued for three years and do not grant owners land ownership rights. According to Uzbekistan's legislation, entrepreneurs can only extract minerals from the surface, and license holders are required to restore areas disrupted during geological exploration, making them suitable for further use.

Additionally, certain obligations are imposed on subsoil users, including the requirement that at least 70% of employees must be citizens of Uzbekistan.

The extraction of precious metals in these areas is carried out by prospectors as part of entrepreneurial activities, as industrial development in this region is economically unfeasible. The allocation of such areas to private businesses is aimed at generating income and ensuring transparency in the industry. It is noted that local and foreign investors working in the sold territories will implement new technologies and equipment, creating additional jobs.

It is also reported that 49.5% of the revenue from the sale of mined precious metals by entrepreneurs will go to local budgets, contributing to the comprehensive development of the regions.